Optical measuring instrument

ABSTRACT

An optical measuring apparatus for optically measuring a sample includes a plurality of parts for applying light beams to the sample, a plurality of detecting parts for detecting light beams from the light applying parts which come through the sample, a memory part which receives signals from the detecting parts, converts them into digital signals and stores the digital signals as measuring positions between the light applying part and the light detecting part. Further, there is provided a first display part which shows a relationship between positions on the sample and measuring positions corresponding to the positions of the detecting parts on the sample, and a second display part which shows a relationship between positions on the sample and measuring positions corresponding to the positions of the detecting parts which are shown on the first display part.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an optical measuring apparatus, and inparticular, to an optical measuring apparatus which optically measuresthe inside of a living body, collects resulting information signals, andreconstructs the signals into images of the living body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The clinical and medical fields have longed for easy and simpletechnologies which measure insides of living bodies without giving anydamage to them. An optical measurement is one of such technologies. Thefirst reason for it is that the oxygen metabolism is related to specificchromatophores (hemoglobin, cytochrome a a3, myoglobin, etc.) or theconcentration of light absorber and the concentration of the specificchromatophore can be obtained from the quantity of light absorption(between the visible ray and the near infrared ray). The second reasonis that light rays can be easily handled by optical fibers. The thirdreason is that optical measurement is not harmful to living bodies whenlight rays are used correctly according to the Safety Standards (ANSIZ136-1973 and JISC6802: 2 milliwatt per square millimeter).

An apparatus using such merits of the optical measurement and measuringthe inside of a living body which applies light beams of visiblewavelengths to near infrared wavelengths to a living body and collectsthe reflected light at a position 10 mm to 50 mm away from theilluminated position was disclosed for example by Japanese Non-examinedPatent Publications No.63-277038 (1988) and No.H-5300887. Anotherapparatus which measures CT images of oxygen metabolism from light rayspassing through a living body of 100 mm to 200 mm thick, or an opticalCT apparatus was disclosed for example by Japanese Non-examined PatentPublications No.60-72542 (1985) and No.62-231625.

In application of the optical measurement which measures thecharacteristics due to living bodies to clinical fields, for example inmeasurement of a head, we can get the activation status of oxygenmetabolism of a brain and local hemorrhage (breeding) in the brain. Itis also possible to measure functions related to cerebral oxygenmetabolism such as exercising, sensing, and further higher cerebralfunctions (e.g. thinking). In such measurements, images are much morepowerful in analysis than data of measurement. For example, measurementand display using images are preferable for detection of positions whichhave a local oxygen metabolism change.

A multi-channel optical measuring apparatus is required to collectimages. A multi-channel optical measuring system is disclosed byJapanese Non-examined Patent Publication H9-98972 (1997). However, it issubstantially very important that we can check whether every channel ofthe system is normal before starting the multi-channel measurement.

An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-channel opticalmeasuring apparatus which optically measures samples without causing anychannel problem, processes information obtained by the measurement, anddisplays the selected items as images.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The optical measuring apparatus in accordance with the present inventionwhich comprises means for optically measuring samples is characterizedby further comprising a display unit which displays an area forselecting a measuring mode, an area for displaying positions ofmeasurement, a measurement starting button, an area for displaying theresult of measurement at the positions of measurement, and a button forsaving the result of measurement.

From another point of view, the optical measuring apparatus inaccordance with the present invention which comprises means foroptically measuring samples is characterized by further comprising adisplay unit which displays an area for selecting an analysis mode, abutton for loading a data file which is already registered, an area forsetting a method of processing data, an area for editing and displayingimages, and a button for saving the edited images.

From yet a further point of view, the optical measuring apparatus inaccordance with the present invention which comprises means foroptically measuring samples is characterized by further comprising adisplay unit which displays an area for selecting a display mode, abutton for loading a data file which is already registered, an area forselecting a graph for display, and an area for displaying the selectedgraph.

From a more particular point of view, the optical measuring apparatus inaccordance with the present invention which comprises means foroptically measuring samples is characterized by further comprising adisplay unit which displays baselines (e.g., fitting graphs)corresponding to the positions of measurement on an identical screen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a main part of an optical measuringapparatus which is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an initial window displayed on the screen of the display unit.

FIG. 3 is a window which displays positions of measurement on thedisplay unit.

FIG. 4 is a dialog box for creating a file on the display unit.

FIG. 5 is a window displaying items of measurement on the display unit.

FIG. 6 is a window for entering conditions of measurement and display onthe display unit.

FIG. 7 is a window displaying a time-series graph of measurement data onthe display unit.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an optical module, as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is an example of a geometrical layout of positions of irradiationand positions of detection on the surface of a sample.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a lock-in amplifier module, as shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a graphical example representing how a relationship between ameasurement signal obtained at a selected position of detection and anestimated no-load signal calculated from said measurement signal variesas the time goes by.

FIG. 12 is a graphical example representing how the concentration ofoxidation/reduction hemoglobin at a selected position of measurementvaries as the time goes by.

FIG. 13 is a contour image (topographic image) created from the relativechange rate of the concentration of oxidation hemoglobin at each pointof measurement according to a time lapse with the movement of the lefthand of a tested person as a load.

FIG. 14 is a contour image (topographic image) created from the relativechange rate of the concentration of oxidation hemoglobin at each pointof measurement according to a time lapse with the movement of the righthand of a tested person as a load.

FIG. 15 is a sample process flow in accordance with the presentinvention which measures a sample and analyzes the resulting data by theoptical measuring apparatus as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a dialog box for selecting a process for display.

FIG. 17 is a dialog box for selecting an analysis mode for display

FIG. 18 is a dialog box for loading a file for display.

FIG. 19 is a mark edition widow displayed on the display unit.

FIG. 20 is a subsidiary mark edition widow displayed on the displayunit.

FIG. 21 is a File menu of the Edit Mark window as shown in FIG. 19 andFIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a Setup menu of the Edit Mark window as shown in FIG. 19 andFIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is an option menu of the Edit Mark window as shown in FIG. 19and FIG. 20.

FIG. 24 is a File Save dialog box displayed on the display unit.

FIG. 25 is a dialog box for setting a stimulation period (process timefor analysis of summing averages) displayed on the display unit.

FIG. 26 is a dialog box for setting a fitting curve degree displayed onthe display unit.

FIG. 27 is a dialog box for adding a process file displayed on thedisplay unit.

FIG. 28 is a dialog box for asking the operator whether the operatoractually wants a topographic image.

FIG. 29 is a dialog box for setting a stimulation period (process timefor analysis of non-summing averages) displayed on the display unit.

FIG. 30 is a dialog box for setting topograph parameters displayed onthe display unit.

FIG. 31 is a dialog box for setting topograph parameters (A/D CHCombination) displayed on the display unit.

FIG. 32 is a window for setting positions of irradiation and detectionfor topographic images displayed on the display unit.

FIG. 33 is a window for setting positions of measurement for topographicimages displayed on the display unit.

FIG. 34 is a window for editing and displaying topographic images on thedisplay unit.

FIG. 35 is a File menu of the Topograph window as shown in FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is an Edit menu of the Topograph window as shown in FIG. 34.

FIG. 37 is an Image Control tab for setting a condition of creating atopographic image as shown in the lower left corner of FIG. 34.

FIG. 38 is a Created Image tab for selecting an image as shown in thelower left corner of FIG. 34.

FIG. 39 is a 2-frame window for editing and displaying topographicimages on the display unit.

FIG. 40 is a Load Topograph Image dialog box displayed on the displayunit.

FIG. 41 is a Load Topograph Image dialog box displayed on the displayunit.

FIG. 42 is a Load Topograph Image dialog box displayed on the displayunit.

FIG. 43 is a Load Topograph Image dialog box displayed on the displayunit.

FIG. 44 is a Condition of Analyzed File dialog box displayed on thedisplay unit.

FIG. 45 is a Graph Menu window displayed on the display unit.

FIG. 46 is a Select Graph window for selecting a graph displayed on thedisplay unit.

FIG. 47 is a Select Graph window for selecting a graph displayed on thedisplay unit.

FIG. 48 is a window showing a graph of measured data on the displayunit.

FIG. 49 is a window for setting a condition of displaying a fittinggraph on the display unit.

FIG. 50 is a window showing a fitting graph on the display unit.

FIG. 51 is an Edit menu window displayed on the display unit.

FIG. 52 is an Option menu window displayed on the display unit.

FIG. 53 is a window showing a map of the fitting graphs on the displayunit.

FIG. 54 is a Condition/Position tab window for setting conditions ofdisplaying a hemoglobin graph.

FIG. 55 is an OA/D CH Combination tab window for setting conditions ofdisplaying a hemoglobin graph.

FIG. 56 is a window showing a hemoglobin concentration graph on thedisplay unit.

FIG. 57 is a window showing a map of the hemoglobin concentration graphson the display unit.

FIG. 58 is a flow of measurement of a sample by an optical measuringapparatus shown in FIG. 1, which is one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 59 is a window showing a graph of data of measurement in progress,which is displayed on the display unit.

FIG. 60 is a sample process flow in accordance with the presentinvention which analyzes data obtained by the optical measuringapparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 61 is a sample process flow in accordance with the presentinvention which displays data analyzed by the optical measuringapparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 62 shows graphic windows displayed on the display unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a main part of an optical measuringapparatus which is an embodiment of the present invention. Thisembodiment applies light beams to a sample for example a brain skin,detects lights reflected in the sample and lights passing through thesample, and generates images of the inside of the cerebrum. Thisembodiment uses 12 channels of measurement (or 12 positions ofmeasurement) and 24 measurement signals (or 24 analog/digital conversionchannels). Naturally, the present invention is not intended to belimited to heads. The present invention can be applied to living bodiesand the others.

The light source section 1 consists of four optical modules 2. Eachoptical module comprises two semiconductor lasers which respectivelyemit a plurality of wavelengths, for examples, 780 nm and 830 nm in arange of “visible” to “infrared” wavelengths.

It is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be limitedto 780 nm and 830 nm and to two wavelengths. Said light source section 1can use light emitting diodes instead of semiconductor lasers. The lightbeams from these eight semiconductor lasers in the light source sectionare respectively modulated by the oscillator section 3 which compriseseight oscillators having different oscillation frequencies.

FIG. 8 shows the internal configuration of the optical module withoptical module 2(1) as an example. The optical module 2(1) containssemiconductor lasers 3(1-a) and 3(1-b) and their driving circuits 4(1-a)and 4(1-b). A numeric character in the parentheses indicates a modulenumber of an optical module which includes the semiconductor laser andthe driving circuit. Alphabetic characters “a” and “b” in theparentheses respectively indicate wavelengths 780 nm and 830 nm. Thesesemiconductor laser driving circuits 4(1-a) and 4(1-b) feeddirect-current bias currents to the semiconductor lasers 3(1-a) and3(1-b). The oscillator 3 applies signals of different frequencies f(1-a)and f(1-b) respectively to the semiconductor lasers 3(1-a) and 3(1-b).These bias currents and signals cause the semiconductor lasers 3(1-a)and 3(1-b) to modulate the light beams emitted therefrom. Although thisembodiment employs analog modulation by sine waves, the presentinvention can use a digital modulation by square waves of different timeintervals, that is a digital modulation which flashes light at differenttime intervals. Such modulated light beams are respectively fed tooptical fibers 6 by condenser lenses 5 placed one-to-one before thesemiconductor lasers. The light beams of two different waveforms fed toeach optical fiber are coupled into one optical fiber, for example intoan irradiating optical fiber 8-1 by an optical fiber coupler 7 providedfor each optical module. The light beams of two different wavelengthsfrom each optical module are applied to four different positions on thesurface of the sample 9 through the irradiating optical fibers 8-1 to8-4.

The light beams which are reflected inside the sample and pass throughthe sample are collected by five detecting optical fibers 10-1 to 10-5provided on the preset positions of detection on the surface of thesample and detected by photodiodes 11-1 to 11-5 connected to thedetecting optical fibers 10-1 to 10-5.

The free end of each optical fiber is in slight contact with the surfaceof the sample 9. For example as disclosed by Japanese Non-examinedPatent Publications H09-149903 (1997), these optical fibers areassembled into a probe to be applied to a sample.

FIG. 9 shows a geometrical layout of positions of irradiation 1 to 4 andpositions of detection 1 to 5 on the surface of the sample 9. In thisembodiment, these positions are alternately disposed in a square array.A position of measurement is placed between every two irradiating anddetecting positions which are adjoining to each other. There are 12positions of measurement, or channels as there are 12 ways of selectingtwo positions from a group of irradiating and detecting positions. Thelayout of these radiating and detecting positions is described forexample by Japanese Non-examined Patent Publications H09-149903 (1997)and by “Near-infrared Topographic Measurement System: Imaging ofabsorbers localized in a scattering medium” written by Yuichi Yamashita,et al. 1996, Review of Scientific Instruments Vol. 67, P. 730-P. 732.When the irradiating and detecting positions are spaced at intervals of3 cm, the light beams detected at the detecting positions containcerebral information as they pass through the skin and skull, which hasbeen reported by “Intracerebral Penetration of Infrared Light” writtenby P. W. McCormic, et al. 1992, Journal of Neuro-Surgery Volume 76, P.315-P. 318.

As seen from the above, 12 channels of measurement by this layout ofpositions enable measurement of a cerebral area of 6 centimeters square.Although this embodiment uses 12 measuring channels for simpleexplanation, it is possible to use more measuring channels and widen thearea of measurement by providing more irradiating and detectingpositions in an array.

In FIG. 1, the light beams detected by the optical fibers 10-1 to 10-5are further detected respectively by five photo detectors such asphotodiodes 11-1 to 11-5 which are one-to-one connected to the opticalfibers 10-1 to 10-5. These photodiodes are preferably the avalanchephotodiodes which enable high-sensitivity optical measurement. The photodetectors can be photoelectric multipliers. After the light signals areconverted into electric signals by these photodiodes, the modulatedsignals are selectively detected according to the irradiating positionsand wavelengths by a circuit which selectively detects modulatedsignals, for example a lock-in amplifier module 12 comprising aplurality of lock-in amplifiers. Although this embodiment uses a lock-inamplifier as a modulated signal detecting circuit for analog modulation,this embodiment uses a digital filter or digital signal processor todetect modulated signals for digital modulation.

FIG. 10 shows the configuration of the clock-in amplifier module 12 asshown in FIG. 1. First we explain modulation and separation of a signaldetected at a detecting position 1 (in FIG. 9) by a photodiode 11-1. Thedetecting position 1 can detect light beams which are applied to theadjoining positions of irradiation 1 to 4. Therefore measurement is doneat measuring positions 4, 6, 7 and 9. The light detected at thedetecting position 1 by the photodiode 11-1 contains eight signalcomponents whose modulation frequencies are f(1-a), f(1-b), f(2-a),f(2-b), f(3-a), f(3-b), f(4-a) and f(4-b) for light beams (twowavelengths each) applied to the irradiating positions 1 to 4. The lightsignals containing these eight signal components are fed to eightlock-in amplifiers 13-1 to 13-8 via eight amplifiers 14-1 to 14-8. Themodulation frequency signals f(1-a), f(1-b), f(2-a), f(2-b), f(3-a),f(3-b), f(4-a) and f(4-b) are respectively given as reference signals toeight lock-in amplifiers 13-1 to 13-8. Therefore, the light signalcomponents 780 nm and 830 nm applied to the irradiating position 1 areselectively separated and detected by the lock-in amplifiers 13-1 and13-2. Similarly, the light signal components 780 nm and 830 nm appliedto the irradiating position 2, the light signal components 780 nm and830 nm applied to the irradiating position 3, and the light signalcomponents 780 nm and 830 nm applied to the irradiating position 3 areselectively separated and detected by the lock-in amplifiers 13-3 and13-4, the lock-in amplifiers 13-5 and 13-6, and the lock-in amplifiers13-7 and 13-8 in that order

Similarly, desired optical signal components are selectively separatedfrom signals detected at the detecting positions 2, 3, 4, and 5 byphotodiodes 11-2 to 1-5 and detected by the lock-in amplifiers. In otherwords, the optical signals detected at the detecting position 2 by thephotodiode 11-2 are fed to four lock-in amplifiers 13-9 to 13-12 viafour amplifiers 14-9 to 14-12. The optical signal components of 780 nmand 830 nm applied to the irradiating position 1 and the optical signalcomponents of 780 nm and 830 nm applied to the irradiating position 2are selectively separated and detected by the lock-in amplifiers. Theoptical signals detected at the detecting position 3 by the photodiode11-3 are fed to four lock-in amplifiers 13-13 to 13-16 via fouramplifiers 14-13 to 14-16. The optical signal components of 780 nm and830 nm applied to the irradiating position 1 and the optical signalcomponents of 780 nm and 830 nm applied to the irradiating position 3are selectively separated and detected by the lock-in amplifiers. Theoptical signals detected at the detecting position 4 by the photodiode11-4 are fed to four lock-in amplifiers 13-14 to 13-20 via fouramplifiers 14-17 to 14-20. The optical signal components of 780 nm and830 nm applied to the irradiating position 3 and the optical signalcomponents of 780 nm and 830 nm applied to the irradiating position 4are selectively separated and detected by the lock-in amplifiers. Theoptical signals detected at the detecting position 5 by the photodiode11-5 are fed to four lock-in amplifiers 13-21 to 13-24 via fouramplifiers 14-21 to 14-24. The optical signal components of 780 nm and830 nm applied to the irradiating position 2 and the optical signalcomponents of 780 nm and 830 nm applied to the irradiating position 4are selectively separated and detected by the lock-in amplifiers.

As explained above, when two wavelengths and 12 measuring positions areused, there are 24 signals to be measured. Therefore, the lock-inamplifier module 12 uses a total of 24 lock-in amplifiers 13-1 to 13-24.The analog signals output from these lock-in amplifiers 13-1 to 13-24(channel 1 to channel 24) are respectively summed up for a preset timeperiod by channel-correspondent sample holding circuits in the sampleholding circuit module 16. After the summation is completed, the signalsstored in the sample holding circuits are sequentially switched by aswitch (a multiplexer) 17, converted into digital signals, for example,by a 12-bit analog/digital (A/D) converter 18, and stored in a memoryunit which is outside the computer 19. Naturally, these digital signalscan be stored in a memory unit which is inside the computer 19. Thechannel numbers are one-to-one related to memory addresses.

In case the sample holding circuit module 16 is not used, the switch 17is repeatedly switched fast. In this fast switching, the analog signalof each channel is converted into a digital signal by the analog/digital(A/D) converter 18, and stored in a memory unit 20. The digital signalof each channel which is summed up by a predetermined number of times isaveraged by the computer 19 and stored in the memory unit 20. Thismethod can also reduce noises in the high-frequency components.

The computer 19 calculates the stored data into a change in theconcentration of oxygenating hemoglobin, a change in the concentrationof deoxygenating hemoglobin, and a change in the concentration of allhemoglobins for example by a method disclosed by Japanese Non-examinedPatent Publications H09-19408 (1997) and by “Spatial and TemporalAnalysis of Human Moter Activity Using Non-invasive NIR Topography”written by Atsushi Maki, et al. 1995, Medical Physics Volume 22 P.1997-P. 2005 and displays topographic images and the like on the displayunit 20.

In FIG. 1, the computer 19 can be a personal computer. An operatorsection 22 is connected to the computer 19. The operator section 22contains a keyboard, a mouse, and so on to input and output variousinformation, add or delete data.

FIG. 11 is a graph representing how a measuring signal 30 at a detectingposition and a non-load signal 31 estimated from said measuring signalchange as the time goes by. This graph is displayed on the display unit21. The horizontal axis (X-axis) of the graph represents a time ofmeasurement and the vertical axis (Y axis) represents a relative changerate of the concentration of hemoglobin, that is, a change in theconcentration of hemoglobin of a specific part in the brain due to theexercise of a specific function (e.g. moving part of living body such asfingers) of a living body. The estimated non-load signal 31 is obtainedby fitting, by a method of least squares, an arbitrary function (baseline) to a measuring signal 31 in a time period T1 before loading and atime period T3 after loading, excluding a signal in a loading time Tsduring which a load is applied and a signal in a releasing time T2elapsed for signal recovery from the measuring time 30. This embodimentuses a quadratic linear polynominal as the arbitrary function, T1 of 40seconds, T2 of 30 seconds, and T3 of 30 seconds.

FIG. 12 is a graph representing how the relative concentrations ofoxidizing and reducing hemoglobins change at a selected measuringposition as the time goes by. This graph is displayed on the displayunit 21. The relative concentration changes are given by lines 32 and33. The horizontal axis (X-axis) represents a time of measurement andthe vertical line (Y-axis) represents a relative concentration change.The hatched time period in the graph indicates a time period duringwhich a load is applied (while right fingers are exercised). Therelative change rates in FIG. 11 are computed from the non-load signal31 and the expected non-load signal 32. The relative change rates in theconcentrations of oxidizing and reducing hemoglobins (HbO2 and Hb) arecomputed by preset operations.

FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are contour images (topographic images) created fromthe relative change rates of the concentration of oxygenating hemoglobinat each measuring position relative to time, using the exercises ofright and left fingers of the sample as the loads. Topographic imagesare created by integrating the relative change rate signal 32 withrespect to time during a load time period (the hatched time period inFIG. 12) (or averaging the relative change rate signal 32 with respectto time) and linearly interpolating the intermediate values betweenevery two adjoining measuring positions in the X- and Y-axes. Thetopographic images can be contour images, monochromatic contrast imagesor colored images. As seen from the images of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 incomparison, it is apparent that the concentration of oxygenatinghemoglobin at a specific position increases for the exercise of theright fingers. The visualization of information of such spatialdistribution enables fast and easy recognition of the result ofmeasurement.

Although the images of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are created by integratingthe relative change rate with respect to time during a load time period,it is also possible to create topographic images from the relativechange rate of the concentration of oxygenating hemoglobin at eachmeasuring position for an identical measuring time period. We canvisually obtain the relative change rate of the concentration ofoxygenating hemoglobin with respect to time by displaying the createdtopographic images sequentially in the order of measurement or ananimated or video sequence of the images.

Although the above description uses the relative change rate of theconcentration of oxygenating hemoglobin as a typical example, we canalso use the relative change rate of the concentration of deoxygenatinghemoglobin or in the total concentration of oxygenating hemoglobin anddeoxygenating hemoglobin to generate topographic images.

FIG. 58 shows a process flow for measuring a sample by an opticalmeasuring apparatus of FIG. 1 which is an embodiment of the presentinvention. As seen from FIG. 58, this measurement flow loosely comprisesthe steps of starting up an optical measuring program at step S581,changing windows at steps S582 to S586, and ending measurement at stepS587.

The window appearing at step S582 in FIG. 58 is for selection of ameasurement mode as shown in FIG. 2. The window appearing at step S583is for initial apparatus setting and display of measuring positions withthe measuring positions well-related to measuring signals, as shown inFIG. 3. The window appearing at step S584 is used to start measurementand enter marks (as shown in FIG. 5). The window appearing at step S585shows the behavior of measuring signals (as shown in FIG. 7). The windowappearing at step S586 is used to register, as a file, the signalsmeasured at step S584, as shown in FIG. 4. Windows appearing at stepsS583 to S585 are displayed at a time on the screen of the display unitas shown in FIG. 59.

When the operating system of the apparatus starts up, the initial window“Main Menu” (see FIG. 2) appears on-screen. In FIG. 2, the operatorclicks button 201 to start measurement, button 202 to start dataanalysis, or button 203 to quit the program.

When the operator clicks button 201, a “Position” window (see FIG. 3)appears in the center of the screen. From now on, this window isbasically always on a preset position of the screen of the display unit21 in FIG. 1. At a glance of this “Position” window, the operator cansee the relationship between measuring signals and actual measuringpositions easily and quickly. Usually, the irradiating optical fibers8-1 to 8-4 and the detecting optical fibers 10-1 to 10-5 in FIG. 1 arefixed to a helmet which is put on the head of an examinee. Accordingly,for the operator's convenience, the measuring channel numbers are markedon the helmet and the assignment of the channel numbers to measuringpositions (see 304 in FIG. 3) is recorded in advance.

The box 301 in FIG. 3 displays a selected measurement mode. The positionlayout of the selected mode is displayed below the box 301. The box 302displays the number of channels used for measurement of an area to bemeasured. The boxes 303 represent the alternate preset positions ofirradiating and detecting optical fibers, that is, positions selectedfrom a group of irradiating positions and detecting positions.

When the File Open window (see FIG. 4) appears on-screen, the positionmoves to the lower left part on the screen. With this, the operator canalways watch a condition to be entered.

FIG. 4 contains the following items and functions:

401: A filename entry box

402: A pane showing a list of all files in a hierarchical level selectedby a bar 404 in the right pane. For example, a name of data which wasmeasured before is listed here.

403: Displays a current path.

404: Displays a directory list (a “tree” list)

405: Click this button to start a measurement.

406: Click this button to cancel the setting on this window and returnto the window of FIG. 3.

408: Click this button to open a drop-down list of drives and select adrive.

When the operator clicks the button 405 in FIG. 4, the File Open windowdisappears and the Measurement window (see FIG. 5) appears on the upperleft part of the screen. One or more graph windows (see FIG. 7) appearon the remaining right part of the screen. The Measurement window ofFIG. 5 is used to control execution of the measurement. FIG. 5 containsthe following items and functions:

503: A field displaying a specified data sampling time interval

504: A field displaying a number of data sampling times

505: A field displaying a time period of measurement (a time elapsedfrom the beginning of measurement)

506: A field displaying the status of measurement which is one of thefollowing:

Run: Measurement in progress

Completion: Measurement is completed.

Overrun: Abnormal termination of measurement due to an overflow of theA/D converter

Stop: Abnormal termination of measurement due to the other factor

File error: An error in saving a measurement file

Back up file error: An error in making a backup copy of a measurementfile

507: A button to start measurement

When the operator clicks this button, the system starts measurement anddisplays graphs representing the relationship between measurement dataand time as shown in FIG. 7. The graph of FIG. 7 shows change rates, butit can be source signals or concentrations of hemoglobin.

508: A button to end measurement and inspection

509: A button to stop acquisition of data

510: A field displaying a time period elapsed after the Mark button isclicked

This frees the operator from counting a stimulation time by a stopwatch

511: A Mark button

This button is used to add a vertical line as a mark to the graph ofFIG. 7 during measurement. Usually, this mark is added at the start orend of stimulation for reference in data analysis. It can be added whenthe operator wants to record times in the graph while measurement is inprogress.

When the marks are automatically added to FIG. 7 from an external unit,the operator need not click the Mark button. In some cases, the marksare added together with beeps.

FIG. 60 shows a flow of data analysis (processing) after measurement bythe optical measuring apparatus of FIG. 1, which is an embodiment of thepresent invention. The data analysis will be described in detailreferring to FIG. 15 to FIG. 43. As seen from the data analysis flow ofFIG. 60, the data analysis loosely comprises the steps of starting up anoptical measuring program at step S601, changing windows at steps S602to S606, and ending the data analysis at step S607. The window appearingat step S602 in FIG. 60 is for selection of a data analysis mode asshown in FIG. 17. The window appearing at step S603 is used to load aregistered data file, as shown in FIG. 18. Windows appearing at step 604are FIG. 25. FIG. 29, and FIG. 30 and used to set a method of dataprocessing (arithmetic processing). The window appearing at step S605 isas shown in FIG. 34 and used to create a topographic image. The windowappearing at step S606 is as shown in FIG. 42 and used to save the imageas a file.

FIG. 15 shows a flow of data analysis (processing) after measurement bythe optical measuring apparatus of FIG. 1, which is an embodiment of thepresent invention.

After the measurement is completed, the operator returns to the MainMenu window (see FIG. 2) and clicks the Analyze button 202, the systemstarts the data analysis step and displays the Select Process window(see FIG. 16) instead of the Main Menu window (see FIG. 2) (at S21). TheSelect Process window of FIG. 16 has the following items and functions:

1601: An option button to select creation of an image

1602: An option button to select a created or processed image and agraph display mode

1603: Click this button to start the selected process.

1604: Click this button to endl the setting on this window and return tothe Main Menu window.

When the operator clicks the OK button 1603 in FIG. 16, the SelectProcess window is replaced by the Analyze Mode window (see FIG. 17) (atS22). On the Analyze Mode window (see FIG. 17), the operator clicks theIntegral button 1701 to go to the Summing Average Analyze mode, theContinuous button 1702 to the Non-Summing Average Analyze mode, or theClose button 1703 to return to the Select Process window. When theoperator clicks the button 1701 or 1702, the Analyze Mode window isreplaced by the File Load window (FIG. 18) (at S23). The File Loadwindow of FIG. 18 has the following items and functions:

1801: A box to specify a folder (directory)

1802: A One-Up-Level button to go up to a folder on the one-up level inthe “tree” structure

1803: A New Folder button to create a new folder

1804: A List button to display the contents of a specified directory

1805: A Details button to display the more details of a list displayedby the List button

1806: An area for displaying folders and files in the specifieddirectory

1807: A box to enter a file name

This box automatically displays a file name which is selected in thelist area 1806.

1808: A box to select a type of the file

The files of the type selected here are displayed in the list area 1806.

1809: A button to load a selected file and proceed

1810: A button to cancel the setting on this window and return to thewindow of FIG. 17.

When the operator clicks the Load button 1809, both the Edit Mark window(see FIG. 19) and the Edit Mark (Sub) window (see FIG. 20) appearon-screen (at S24). The Edit Mark window is placed in the right side ofthe Edit Mark (Sub) close to each other on the screen. The Edit Mark(Sub) window shows a listing of times or sampling counts of marks givenon the Edit Mark window in the ascending order of mark values. Theoperator can delete marks on the Edit Mark window by clicking theircheck boxes on the Edit Mark (Sub) window to remove the check marks andclicking the Reflect button 2005. At the same time, their values on theEdit Mark (Sub) window disappear, too.

To add a mark to the graph on the Edit Mark window, the operator entersa time or sampling count of a mark to be added in the box 2003 andclicking the ADD button 2004. The specified mark appears in the graph onthe Edit Mark window and its value also appears on the Edit Mark (Sub)window.

There is another way of editing marks; using a mouse line 1915 which isa line pointing to a position where the mouse pointer exists (and movesas the mouse moves on the window). The position (time and count) of themouse line is given in the boxes 1904 and 1907 (to be explained later).To add a mark to the graph on the Edit Mark window, the operator dragsthe mouse line to a position on which the operator wants to put a markand click the Add button 1909. The mark is added to the specifiedposition in the graph on the Edit Mark window and its value is alsodisplayed on the Edit Mark (Sub) window. When the mouse line 1915 ispositioned on an existing mark, the Del button 1910 (to be explainedlater) becomes active (enabled). When the Del button 1910 is clicked,the mark disappears.

There is still another way of adding a mark. The operator enters thecount of a mark that the operator wants to add in the box 1908 (to beexplained later) and clicks the Add button 1909. The mark is added andthe result is given to both the Edit Mark window and to the Edit Mark(Sub) window.

Widows of FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 have the following items and functions:

1901: When this File button is clicked, a File menu (see FIG. 21) popsup. When the operator clicks “Save As” on this pop-up menu, the FileSave window (see FIG. 24) appears. This window is used to save theresult of data edition. In saving, the original data (before edition) isalso saved with the extension of the file name changed to “.BAK.” Thisprevents the original data from being lost.

1902: When this Setup button is clicked, a Setup menu (see FIG. 22) popsup. When the operator clicks “Parameter” on this pop-up menu, the graphdisplay control window for mark edition appears. The operator can changemagnifications of X- and Y-axes and time or count values of the X-axison the Edit Mark window.

1903: When this Option button is clicked, an Option menu (see FIG. 23)pops up.

The Option menu contains selective items “Condition” and “Tuneup Info.”

When the operator clicks “Tuneup Info” on this pop-up menu, the Tuneupwindow (see FIG. 6) appears to set measuring and display conditions.(When the Cancel button 615 is clicked on the Tuneup window, windowsFIG. 19 and FIG. 20 return.)

1904: A field displaying a time on which the mouse line 1915 positions

1905: A field displaying a data value (a value on the Y-axis)corresponding to the mouse line 1915

1906: A check mark appears here when the mouse line 1915 positions on anexisting mark.

1907: A field displaying a count at a position pointed to by the mouseline 1915

1908: An entry box for a count value of the mark position

1909: A button to add a mark to a position specified by a count value inthe box 1908 or by the position of the mark line 1915

1910: A button to delete a mark

1911: A button to proceed to the next process

When this button is clicked in the Summing Average Analysis mode, theStimulation Period window (Process time definition window for summingaverage analysis) shown in FIG. 25 appears on screen. When this buttonis clicked in the Non-Summing Average Analysis mode, the StimulationPeriod window shown in FIG. 29 appears on screen.

1912: A button to cancel

When this button is clicked, the Load File window (see FIG. 18) returns.

1913: A line of measured data on the graph

1914: Mark position

1915: A mouse line indicating the position of the mouse cursor (whichmoves as the mouse moves)

The position of the mouse line is given in the box 1907.

2001: A field to display a data count at the position of a left mark(odd-numbered) in a mark pair

To delete this count, click its checkmark to remove

2002: A field to display a data count at the position of a right mark(even-numbered) in a mark pair

To delete this count, click its checkmark to remove

2003: A box to enter a count value or time of the position of a mark tobe added

2004: When this button is clicked, a mark is put on the positionequivalent to a value entered in the box 2003.

2005: When this button is clicked, addition or deletion of data isreflected on the graph and processes.

FIG. 24, FIG. 25, and FIG. 29 which are selectively displayed in theedition of the Edit Mark window (see FIG. 19) have the following itemsand functions:

FIG. 24 (File Save window) (at S25)

2401: A box to specify a folder (directory)

2402: A One-Up-Level button to go up to a folder on the one-up level inthe “tree” structure

2403: A New Folder button to create a new folder

2404: A List button to display the contents of a specified directory

2405: A Details button to display the more details of a list displayedby the List button

2406: An area for displaying folders and files in the specifieddirectory

2407: A box to enter a file name

This box automatically displays a file name which is selected in thelist area 2406.

2408: A box to select a type of the file

The files of the type selected here are displayed in the list area 2406.

2409: A button to save a selected file and proceed

2410: A button to cancel the setting on this window and return to thewindow of FIG. 19.

FIG. 6 (Window to enter conditions of measurement and display) (at S26)

The items and functions of this window are those of step FIG. 25(Process time definition window for summing average analysis) (at S27)

2501: When this button is clicked, the Option menu appears and theFitting Curve Degree window (see FIG. 26) can be displayed selectively.

2502: A box to enter a time period T1 before a load is applied in FIG.11

2503: A box to enter a releasing time period T2 in FIG. 11

2504: A box to enter a time period after a load is applied in FIG. 11

2505: A box displaying a count value equivalent to the first markposition

No value can be entered in this box.

2506: A box displaying a count value equivalent to the second markposition

No value can be entered in this box.

2507: A button to end the setting on this window and call the “More?”window (to add another process file) as shown in FIG. 27.

2508: When this Cancel button is clicked, the Edit Mark and the EditMark (Sub) windows (see FIG. 19 and FIG. 20) return.

FIG. 29 (Process time definition window for non-summing averageanalysis) (at S28)

The non-summing average analysis unlike the summing average analysisrequires a load application time T1 in FIG. 11. The data is obtained byextrapolation of the fitting curve.

2901: When this button is clicked, the Option menu appears and theFitting Curve Degree window (see FIG. 26) can be displayed selectively.

2902: A box to enter a starting count or time of the load-applicationtime period T1 in FIG. 11

2903: A box to enter an ending count or time of the load-applicationtime period T1 in FIG. 11

2904: A box to enter an analysis starting count or time

2905: A box to enter an analysis ending count or time

2906: A button to end the setting on this window and proceed to the“Make Topograph?” window (see FIG. 28)

2907: When this Cancel button is clicked, the Edit Mark and the EditMark (Sub) windows (see FIG. 19 and FIG. 20) return.

FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 which are selectively displayed in the edition ofthe stimulation Period windows (see FIG. 25 and FIG. 29) have thefollowing items and functions:

FIG. 26 (Fitting Curve Degree window) (at S29)

2601: A box to enter the number of degrees of the fitting curve(approximate curve of measurement data) used for calculation of a changerate of hemoglobin

Values of 0 to 9 can be specified as a degree. When no degree isspecified, a value of 2 is automatically used as default. When a valueof 10 to 19 is specified, fitting curves of degree 0 (for specificationof a value of 10) to degree 9 (for specification of a value of 19) aredetermined as a baseline from the time period T1 (before loadapplication) specified in FIG. 11. When a value of 99 is specified, thebaseline is obtained from the measuring signal in the time period T1.

2602: A button to close this window and return to a window of FIG. 25 orFIG. 29

FIG. 27 (“More?” window) (at S30)

2701: Click this button to process measuring data of another file forsumming average analysis. When this button is clicked, the File Loadwindow (see FIG. 18) returns and the setting on FIG. 19, FIG. 20 andFIG. 25 is repeated. The second and later setting changes are disabledon the window of FIG. 25.

2702: When this button is clicked, the system starts to calculate theconcentration of hemoglobin and displays the “More Topograph?” window(dialog box; see FIG. 28) (at S31).

The window of FIG. 28 has the following items and functions:

2801: Click this button to start creation of a topographic image(creation of a graph). When this button is clicked, the TopographParameter (Parameter) window (see FIG. 30) or the Topograph Parameter(A/D CH Combination) window (see FIG. 31) appears (S32).

2802: Click this button to save analysis data. When this button isclicked, the Condition of Analyzed File window (see FIG. 44) appearson-screen (at S33). When the operator clicks the Cancel button 4408, theSelect Graph window (see FIG. 47) appears. When the operator clicks theOK button 4407, the File Save window (see FIG. 24) appears (at S34) tosave the result of processing as a file. The content of the Condition ofAnalyzed File window (see FIG. 44) will be described in detail below.When the Save button 2409 on the File Save window (see FIG. 24) isclicked, the data is saved and the Select Process window (see FIG. 16)returns. When the Cancel button 2410 is clicked, the “Make Topograph?”window (see FIG. 28) returns.

2803: Click this button to exit to the Select Process window (see FIG.16).

When the “Parameter” tab is clicked on the Topograph Parameter window(FIG. 30 or FIG. 31), the Topograph Parameter (Parameter) window (seeFIG. 30) appears. When the “A/D CH Combination” tab is clicked, theTopograph Parameter (A/D CH Combination) window (FIG. 31) appears. TheTopograph Parameter windows (FIG. 30 and FIG. 31) have the followingitems and functions:

3001: Select hemoglobin data whose topographic image you want to displayin this field.

3002: Select whether statistic processing is required. Select “None” tocreate topographic images without statistic processing or “Mahalanobis”to create topographic images with statistic processing. The statisticprocessing is done with signal fluctuations as a variable. A typicalstatistic processing is the “t” test.

3003: Select a mode of setting the position of a measuring channel.Select “Auto” for automatic assignment of a channel position or “Manual”to set a channel position manually. The “Number of Face” box is used tospecify a number of faces to be measured.

3004: Select an average mode here.

Natural: No averaging is done when this option is selected.

Average: Averaging is done at every specified count on the X-axis whenthis option is selected

Averaging Counts: A box to enter a count at which averaging is done

Splitting count: A box to enter a count which is placed in the center ofan averaging area in which averaging is done at a value specified in theAveraging Counts box

Moving average: A moving averaging is done when this option is selected.

The number of points for the moving average (generally called a cardinalnumber) can be entered in this box.

3005: A button to end the setting

When “Manual” is already selected as “Position Mode” 3003, a window forsetting irradiating and detecting positions for creation of atopographic image (see FIG. 32) appears on screen (at S35). When “Auto”is already selected as “Position Mode” 3003, a window for settingirradiating and detecting positions for creation of a topographic image(see FIG. 33) appears on screen (at S37).

3006: A Cancel button

3101: A box used to specify a combination of A/D conversion channels

When one measuring channel has three or more wavelengths, you can selecttwo wavelengths in combination for calculation of the concentration ofhemoglobin.

The window of FIG. 32 has the following items and functions:

3201: A box to input and display the title of the graph

3202: A check box used to select an irradiating or detecting position bygiving a checkmark here

To give a checkmark in the check box, position the mouse cursor in thecheck box and double-click. The check mark disappears when youdouble-click once more.

3203: When this Select button is clicked after positions for irradiationand detection are set, the Topograph window of FIG. 32 turns into theTopograph window of FIG. 33 (for setting measuring positions forcreation of a topographic image) (at S36).

3204: When this Cancel button is clicked, the current setting iscancelled and the Topograph window of FIG. 32 turns into the Topographwindow of FIG. 33.

3205: Click this Show button to show the irradiating and measuringpositions you have selected.

3206: Click this Hide button to hide the irradiating and measuringpositions you have selected.

3207: Click this Show button to show the measuring channels you haveselected.

3208: Click this Hide button to hide the measuring channels you haveselected.

3209: Click this S button to show the buttons 3203 to 3208.

3210: Click this H button to make the buttons 3203 to 3208 invisible.

The lower part of the window of FIG. 33 is the same as that of thewindow of FIG. 32. A measuring channel number is set in this box 3301.When the mouse's left button is double-clicked, the internal counter isincremented by one and thus serial numbers are automatically set inthese boxes. To decrement the internal counter by one, click the mouse'sleft button once while pressing on the Shift key.

The window of FIG. 34 is used to create a topographic image of theconcentration of hemoglobin (Hb) from the measured time-series signals,display static or animated images, and to save the data. This exampleshows one topographic image but it is possible to display two or moreimages simultaneously. The window of FIG. 34 has the following items andfunctions:

3401: When the File button is clicked, the File menu pops up. The Filemenu contains three options “Load Topograph Image” (to load a savedtopographic image), “Save Topograph Image” (to save a createdtopographic image), and “Load Mode Data” (to load a mode file whichcontains conditional data representing a measurement mode). When “LoadTopograph Image” is chosen, the Load Topograph Image window (see FIG. 40or FIG. 41) appears on-screen (at S38). When “Save Topograph Image” ischosen, the Save Topograph Image window (see FIG. 42 or FIG. 43) appearson-screen (at S39). When “Load Mode Data” is chosen, the File Loadwindow (see FIG. 24) appears on-screen (at S40).

3402: When the Edit button is clicked, the Edit menu pops up. The Editmenu contains three options “Graph1 copy,” “Graph2 copy,” and “Rangecopy.” When “Graph1 copy” is chosen, the Face 1 image is displayed. When“Graph2 copy” is chosen, the Face 2 image is displayed. When “Rangecopy” is chosen, the color range is copied onto temporary storage of thecomputer.

3404: When “Manual” is chosen in “Topograph Control” area, a time on thetime axis of the Hb concentration change rate data which is specified inFIG. 32 is entered in this box. When “Auto” is chosen in the “TopographControl” area, this box also displays a processing time while imageprocessing is in progress or an image display time while analready-created image is being displayed.

3405: When “Auto” in the “Topograph Control” area and “Create All” arechosen, these boxes input and display an image creation starting time(the left box) and an image creation ending time (the right box) on thetime axis of the specified Hb concentration change rate data.

3406: An indicator to indicate the processing status by color: red for“Data processing in progress” (Topograph creation in progress) or redfor the other states.

3407: An area for displaying a created topographic image

3408: A range of topographic colors (contrast width) (color bar relatinghemoglobin concentrations to colors)

3409: Boxes to display the maximum Hb concentration (in the upper box)and the minimum Hb concentration (in the lower box) in relation tocolors of topographic images

To specify maximum and minimum Hb concentrations, click the “Set Max-Minvalue” checkbox on the Image Control tab and give a check mark in it.

3410: A bar indicating positions (time) and ranges of process data

The whole X-axis indicates a time period during which a topographicimage is created. A red vertical line moves together with the displayedimage time while the image creation or display is in progress. When thevertical line comes across a triangle mark, the system informs theoperator of it by beeps or change of the background color. When an imagecreation period is specified by boxes 3405, the range is indicated by ahorizontal line in cyan. A range enclosed in marks (see FIG. 19) iscolored yellow. When “Average” is chosen in the “Average Mode” area ofthe Topograph Parameter window (see FIG. 30), a Split Count position isdisplayed.

3411: Click this Draw (Create) button to create a topographic image.When this button is clicked in the Manual mode, one topographic image ofa time period specified by boxes 3405 is displayed and the time rangefor the image creation is indicated by a horizontal line in cyan in thetime bar 3410.

3412: When this Replay button is clicked, a topographic image created inthe “Auto” mode with “Create All” is redisplayed.

3413: Click the Pause button to temporarily stop image reproduction.Click this button again to restart image reproduction.

3415: Click the Stop button to stop image reproduction started by theDraw (Create) button or the Replay button.

3416: Click this Close button to close the Topograph window.

3417: When this Next button is clicked, the system creates and displaysan image at the next sampling time in the Manual mode or an image at thenext sampling time of the currently-displayed image in the imagecreation period in the Auto mode with “Create All.” This means forwardimage reproduction.

3418: This Before button is functionally opposite to the Next button3417 (playing the preceding frame). This means backward imagereproduction.

3419: An area to select a topograph creation mode: “Auto” to createimages in a specified range at a time and “Manual” to create one imageat a time.

3420: When this button is clicked, the system shows the image typesetting-window, creates a plurality of topographic images according tothe conditions set on this window, and saves them as a file. The imageswhich are saved here will be loaded and displayed.

Windows of FIG. 37 and FIG. 38 appear on the lower left corner of theTopograph window (see FIG. 34). FIG. 37 shows the content of the ImageControl tab window and FIG. 38 shows the content of the Created Imagetab window. Click the Image Control tab to open the Image Control windowor the Created Image tab to open the Created Image window. These windowshave the following items and functions:

3701: Option buttons to select “Dynamic” (moving topograph) or “Static”(still topograph)

These options are not available when the “Create All” button is chosen.

3702: Double-click this checkbox (and give a checkmark here) to set theminimum and maximum Hb concentrations related to the colors on the colorbar.

3703: A box to enter a resolution level of the topographic image

3704: A box to specify a color of the background of the topographicimage

Colors available are black, gray, and white.

3705: Click this checkbox (and give a checkmark here) to change thebackground color to yellow when a topographic image of a time rangeenclosed marks is displayed.

3801: This area displays the type (Oxy, Deoxy, Total, Dynamic, Static,Color, or Monochrome) of a topographic image created by selection of theCreate button. “C,” “M,” and “R” respectively stand for “Color,”“Monochrome,” and “Reversed colors on the color bar.” These options areselectable when the type of the created image exists. To display theimage, select the image type and click the Replay, Before, or Nextbutton.

The window of FIG. 39 is displayed instead of the window of FIG. 34 whentwo faces (measurement areas) are measured and this window is used toedit and display two topographic images. A box 3901 displays the titleof the second window. For example, it is possible to measure the leftand right cerebrums of the examinee individually and show their imagesat a time on a single window. Further for reproduction of moving images,a plurality of moving images can be reproduced in synchronism. The area3902 contains a group of buttons to set measuring positions and otherson the second window. These buttons are the same as those 3203 to 3208of the Topograph window (see FIG. 32). The area 3903 is used to select awindow of an image to be processed. Select “Face 1” to process the firstimage window, “Face 2” to process the second image window, or “Both” toprocess both first and second image windows.

Windows of FIG. 40 to FIG. 43 which are selectively displayed in windowsof FIG. 33 to FIG. 38 have the following items and functions:

FIG. 40 and FIG. 41 (Load Topograph Image window) (S38)

The operator can specify a directory of the topographic image data thatthe operator wants to load as shown below.

4001: When this Condition tab is clicked, the window of FIG. 40 appearson-screen.

4002: This field displays information of image data to be loaded. The“Analyze Mode” field displays a process mode (Integral or Continuous).

4003: When this OK button is clicked, the system starts to load thespecified image data.

4004: A cancel button

When this button is clicked, the Topograph window (see FIG. 34) returns.

4005: This box enters or displays the name of data to be loaded. (Thename is saved as a directory name.) Information of image data specifiedhere is displayed in the field 4002.

4006: This field displays a directory or image data names for selection.Select and click an image data name. The path name of the selecteddirectory is displayed in the box 4005.

4007: This field is used to select a storage medium (floppy disk, harddisk, or MO) from which image data is loaded. The directory in thespecified storage medium is displayed in the field 4006.

4101: When this Image File Location tab is clicked, the window of FIG.41 appears on-screen.

4102: This field lists file names which are in the directory specifiedby the box 4005.

FIG. 42 and FIG. 43 (Save Topograph Image window) (S39) The operator canspecify a directory to which the operator can save the topographic imagedata as shown below.

4201: When this Condition tab is clicked, the window of FIG. 43 appearson-screen.

4202: This field displays information of topographic image data to besaved.

4203: Click this OK button to save the topographic image data to thespecified directory.

4204: A cancel button

When this button is clicked, the Topograph window (see FIG. 34) returns.

4205: This box enters or displays a directory to which the topographicimage data is saved.

4206: When this button is clicked, a new directory of a directory namespecified by the box 4207 is created under the directory specified bythe box 4205.

4207: A box to enter the name of a new directory.

4208: This field lists directories for selection. Select and click adirectory. The selected directory is displayed in the box 4205.

4209: This field is used to select a drive. The directory in thespecified drive is displayed in the field 4208.

4301: When this Image File Location tab is clicked, the window of FIG.43 appears on-screen.

4302: This field displays the structure of topographic image data to besaved.

The windows FIG. 42 and FIG. 43 are almost the same as those of FIG. 40and FIG. 41 except that the windows FIG. 42 and FIG. 43 have the field4207 and the box 4206 and that letters “Load” are substituted by letters“Save.”

FIG. 18 (File Load window) (S40)

The contents of this window are already described. (See S23.)

FIG. 61 shows a flow of displaying data analyzed by an optical measuringapparatus shown in FIG. 1, which is one embodiment of the presentinvention. Items related to display will be described in detailreferring to FIG. 47 to FIG. 57. As seen from FIG. 61, this flow looselycomprises the steps of starting up an optical measuring program at stepS611, changing windows at steps S612 to S615, and ending display at stepS616.

The window appearing at step S612 in FIG. 61 is for selection of adisplay mode as shown in FIG. 45. The window appearing at step S613 is aFile Load window as shown in FIG. 18 and used to load a stored datafile. The window appearing at step S614 is a Select Graph window asshown in FIG. 46 and used to select a graph to be displayed. Theselected graph is displayed at step 615 as shown in FIG. 32 and FIG. 57.

In this case, the Select Graph window (as shown in FIG. 46) and graphsselected by the operator (for example, the Topograph window of FIG. 33and the Hb concentration graph mapping window of FIG. 57) are displayedon a single window as shown in FIG. 62. With this, the operator cangrasp the relationship between measuring positions given by FIG. 33 andHb concentration changes at a glance.

If necessary, it is possible to set so that both windows of FIG. 33 andFIG. 57 may be on a single window.

After measurement and data analysis are completed, go back to theinitial window (Main Menu window) of FIG. 2 and click the Analyze button202. The Main Menu window is substituted by the Select Process window(see FIG. 16). The items and functions of the Select Process window (seeFIG. 16) are already described above. When the Show Graph button 1602 isclicked on the Select Process window, the Show Graph Menu window (seeFIG. 45) appears on-screen.

On the Show Graph Menu window (see FIG. 45), the Measurement Data button4501 is used to load the measured data and the Analyzed Data button isused to load the analyzed data. Either of these buttons is clicked, theFile Load window (see FIG. 18) appears on screen. The “Analyzed Datainclude Topograph image” button 4503 is used to load analyzed dataincluding topographic image data. When this button is clicked, the LoadTopograph Image window (see FIG. 40) appears on-screen. The Close button4504 is to close the Show Graph Menu window. When this button isclicked, the Select Process window (see FIG. 16) returns. The File Typebox 1808 on the window of FIG. 18 or the OK button 4003 on the LoadTopograph Image window of FIG. 40 is clicked, the select Graph window(see FIG. 46) appears on-screen.

The window of FIG. 46 has the following items and functions:

4601: This Measurement Graph button 4601 is used to display a graph ofmeasured time-series data. It is possible to simultaneously displaygraphs of data measured on a plurality of A/D converter channels. Whenthis button is clicked, the graph display control window appears. Afterthe setting on this window is completed, the Measured Data window (seeFIG. 48) appears on-screen. The area 4802 on this window shows ameasurement graph. After the Measurement Graph button is clicked, theSelect Graph window of FIG. 46 turns as shown in FIG. 47.

4602: This Fitting Graph button 4602 is used to display a graph of afitting curve (baseline) and measured data (called a fitting graph).When this button is clicked, the Fitting Graph Parameter window (seeFIG. 49) appears on-screen.

4603: This Hb Time Course button is used to display a graph of atime-series data of the concentration of hemoglobin.

When this button is clicked, the Hb Time Course Parameter window (seeFIG. 54) appears on-screen.

4604: This Topograph Image button is used to display a topographicimage. When this button is clicked, the Topograph window for edition anddisplay of a topographic image.

4605: This Close button is used to end graphic display. When this buttonis clicked, the Show Graph Menu window (see FIG. 45) appears on-screen.

The button 4701 of the Select Graph window (see FIG. 47) is used toselect a number of a graph of data measured on a plurality of A/Dconverter channels. Available graph numbers are Graph1 to Graphn (where“n” is a maximum A/D converter channel number).

The window of FIG. 49 is displayed when the Fitting Graph button 4602 isclicked and has the following items and functions:

4901: This field is used to select a label of the X axis (Time orSampling count).

4902: This field is used to make marks visible or invisible.

4903: This field is used to specify a range of the Y axis.

Auto (uniform): Automatically assigns optimum maximum and minimum valuesso that all graphs may have the same maximum value and the same minimumvalue.

Auto (separate): Automatically assigns maximum and minimum values sothat each graph may have its own optimum maximum and minimum values.

Manual: Allows the operator to manually assign maximum and minimumY-axis values to each graph.

4906: This button is used to end the setting. When this button isclicked, the Fitting Graph window (see FIG. 50) appears on-screen.

4907: This button is used to cancel the setting on this window. Whenthis button is clicked, the Fitting Graph window (see FIG. 50) appearson-screen.

4908: This field shows the positions of measuring channels. A measuringchannel number appears on a measuring position having measuring positiondata.

When the mouse cursor is positioned on a measuring channel number, anA/D converter channel number corresponding to the measuring channelappears under the mouse cursor.

As already explained, when the OK button 4906 or the Cancel button 4907is clicked on the Fitting Graph Parameter window (see FIG. 49), theFitting Graph window of FIG. 50 appears on-screen. The Fitting Graphwindow has the following items and functions.

5001: A button to call the Edit pop-up menu (see FIG. 51)

5002: A button to call the Option pop-up menu (see FIG. 52)

5003: An area for displaying a fitting curve equation

5004: An area for displaying a standard square-law deviation of thefitting curve

5005: An area used to display or select an A/D converter channel numberwhich measured data on the graph

When the A/D converter channel number in this area is changed, the graphis updated.

5006: An area for displaying the wavelength of the measuring light

5007: An area for displaying a graph (baseline) of the measured data anda fitting curve

FIG. 51 shows the Edit menu which pops up when the Edit button 5001 ofthe Fitting Graph window (FIG. 50) is chosen. When the “Copy” button isclicked on this pop-up menu, the fitting graph is copied to theclipboard (which is a storage area of the storage unit in the computer).

FIG. 52 shows the Option menu which pops up when the Option button 5002of the Fitting Graph window (FIG. 50) is chosen. The Option menu hasoptions “Setup Parameter,” “Mapping Image,” and “Condition.” When “SetupParameter” is chosen, the Fitting Graph Parameter window (see FIG. 49)appears on-screen. When “Mapping Image” is chosen, the Fitting CurveMapping Image window(see FIG. 53) appears on-screen.

The area 5301 on the Fitting Curve Mapping Image window (see FIG. 53)shows fitting graphs of the A/D converter channels corresponding tomeasuring positions.

This example shows fitting graphs of the A/D converter channelscorresponding to measuring positions. Different windows or colors aregiven to different wavelengths. Naturally, different line types can begiven to different wavelengths.

When the Hb Time Course button 4603 (see FIG. 46) on the Select Graphwindow (see FIG. 46), the Hb Time Course Parameter window (see FIG. 54)appears on-screen. This window has the following items and functions:

5401: This field is used to select types of hemoglobin data and marksdisplayed in a graph. Select types and click their check boxes.

5402: A Condition/Position tab

5403: This field is used to specify a range of the Y axis

Auto (uniform): Automatically assigns optimum maximum and minimum valuesso that all graphs may have the same maximum value and the same minimumvalue.

Auto (separate): Automatically assigns maximum and minimum values sothat each graph may have its own optimum maximum and minimum values.

Manual: Allows the operator to manually assign maximum and minimumY-axis values to each graph.

5404: This field is used to select a label of the X axis (Time orSampling count).

5405: Select a timewise averaging mode here.

Natural: No averaging is done when this option is selected.

Average: Averaging is done at every specified count on the X-axis whenthis option is selected

Averaging Counts: A box to enter a count at which averaging is done

Splitting count: A box to enter a count which is skipped and notincluded in averaging.

Moving average: A moving averaging is done when this option is selected.

Averaging counts: A box to enter the number of points for the movingaverage.

5406: Select whether statistic processing is required. Select “None” tocreate topographic images without statistic processing or “Mahalanobis”to create topographic images with statistic processing.

5407: When this Load Mode File button is clicked, the File Load window(see FIG. 18) appears on-screen. From this File Load window, theoperator can load a measurement mode file to specify positions ofmeasuring channels.

5409: Click this OK button to end the setting. When this button isclicked, the Change Concentration of Hb window (see FIG. 56) appearson-screen.

5410: This button is used to cancel the setting on this window. Whenthis button is clicked, the Change Concentration of Hb window (see FIG.56) appears on-screen.

5411: This area shows the positions of measuring channels.

When the mouse cursor is positioned on a measuring channel. The windowof FIG. 56 has the following items and functions:

FIG. 55 shows another Hb Time Course Parameter window and has thefollowing items and functions:

5501: This is a CH Parameter tab which is the same as that of FIG. 54.When the CH Parameter tab of the Hb Time Course Parameter window of FIG.54 is clicked, the Hb Time Course Parameter window of FIG. 55 appearson-screen. When the Condition/Position tab of FIG. 55 is clicked, the HbTime Course Parameter window of FIG. 54 appears on-screen.

5502: Click “Measure CH” to specify measuring channel numbers in thearea 5504 and click “A/D CH Combination” to specify combinations of A/Dconverter channels in the area 5503.

5503: This area is used to specify a combination of two or more A/dconverter channels to measure Hb concentrations f or each measuringchannel which is specified in the area 5504.

5504: This is an area to specify measuring channels to be given tographs.

As seen from the above, when the OK button 5409 or the Cancel button5410 on the window of FIG. 54 is clicked, the Change Concentration of Hb(see FIG. 56) appears on-screen. The window of FIG. 56 has the followingitems and functions:

5601: A button to open the Edit pop-up menu (see FIG. 51)

5603: An area to display a Hb concentration change graph On the windowof FIG. 56, examples of data “/oxy-Hb,” “/deoxy-Hb,” and “/total-Hb”have different line colors and types (slanted parts).

When the operator double-clicks the top bar on any of theabove-described windows, a Print command menu appears. Select a commandto print.

With this, the detailed explanation of the embodiment of the presentinvention is completed. The features of the optical measuring apparatuswill be summarized below. It is to be understood that the presentinvention is not intended to be limited to these features.

1) For display of a plurality of time-series graphs as the results ofmeasurement and data analysis, measuring wavelengths and target datakinds are given different line colors or types (as shown in FIGS. 7, 11,12, 48, 50, 53, 56, and 57).

1a) The optical measuring apparatus of the present invention comprisesmeans of adding marks automatically or manually during measurement. Theline color and type of the mark are different from those of the graph(as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7).

1aa) The mark positions (times values) entered in measurement can beadded, deleted, and moved after measurement (as shown in FIG. 19).

1b) For display of a plurality of time-series graphs, the graphs aredisplayed at positions corresponding to the measuring positions fromwhich signals are obtained (as shown in FIGS. 53, 57, and 62).

1c) For display of a plurality of time-series graphs, the system of theoptical measuring apparatus of the present invention contains a windowfor specifying so that the graphs may have the same Y-axis values orthat the graphs may have their own optimum Y-axis values (as shown inFIGS. 53, 54, and 57).

6) The system of the optical measuring apparatus of the presentinvention stores variables obtained in the preceding measurement andanalysis and loads the stored variables for substitution and addition inthe next measurement and analysis.

8) The system of the optical measuring apparatus of the presentinvention contains a window which displays a plurality of measuringpositions and a plurality of light emitting and receiving positions formeasurement and analysis of data (as shown in FIGS. 3, 33, and 62).

8a) The system of the optical measuring apparatus of the presentinvention has a function of using colors, symbols, or numeric charactersto represent the status of each signal from each measuring or lightemitting and receiving position on a window which displays a pluralityof measuring positions and a plurality of light emitting and receivingpositions (as shown in FIGS. 3, 33, and 62).

9) The system of the optical measuring apparatus of the presentinvention has a window of selecting to make a plurality of measuring,light-emitting, and light-receiving positions visible or invisible on acreated image (as shown in FIGS. 33 and 39).

10) The system of the optical measuring apparatus of the presentinvention has a window of displaying moving images. The window comprisesan area for displaying the time of a reproduced moving image and arectangular area to display the whole image reproduction time. Therectangular area contains a line representing the corresponding time ofthe image (as shown in FIG. 34).

10a) The window for reproducing moving images contains a window forspecifying Stop, Pause, Forward, Backward, and Repeat functions (asshown in FIG. 34).

10b) The window for reproducing moving images contains a window fordisplaying a plurality of images in synchronism (as shown in FIG. 39).

10c) The window for reproducing moving images contains a window fordisplaying a figure which represents a mark setting time specifiedduring measurement in a rectangular area to display the whole imagereproduction time (as shown in FIG. 34).

10ca) The window for reproducing moving images contains a window forchanging the color of an area enclosed in marks when there are two ormore figures each of which represents a mark setting time specifiedduring measurement in a rectangular area to display the whole imagereproduction time (as shown in FIG. 34).

10d) The system of the optical measuring apparatus of the presentinvention has a function of beeping when a line representing the time ofthe image on-screen in a rectangular area to display the whole imagereproduction time crosses a mark on the moving image window (as shown inFIG. 34).

10e) The system of the optical measuring apparatus of the presentinvention contains a window having a function of changing the color ofthe background when a line representing the time of the image on-screenin a rectangular area to display the whole image reproduction timecrosses a mark on the moving image window (as shown in FIG. 34).

11) The image displaying window has a window containing parts forsetting a contrast range and a hue of the window (as shown in FIG. 34).

12) The system of the optical measuring apparatus of the presentinvention contains a window for setting an average at a preset timeinterval or a moving average of an arbitrary cardinal number at means toanalyze signals (as shown in FIG. 30).

12a) The system of the optical measuring apparatus of the presentinvention has, as a signal analyzing means, a window of selecting astatistic analyzing method such as a “t” test which uses signalfluctuations as a variable (as shown in FIG. 30).

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, even abeginning operator can obtain reliable data by simple and quickoperations.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an optical measuring apparatus fit foroptically measuring a sample, easily processing, and displaying imagesof predetermined items according to information obtained by themeasurement.

1. An optical measuring apparatus having a measuring device foroptically measuring density or variation of an in-vivo metabolicmaterial of a sample, comprising: a pair of a first irradiation part forapplying a light beam on said sample and a first detection part providedcorresponding to said first irradiation part so as to detect said lightbeam through said sample, wherein a first measuring position is obtainedas substantially a mid point between said first irradiation part andsaid first detection part; a pair of a second irradiation part forapplying a light beam and a second detection part provided correspondingto said second irradiation part so as to detect said light beam throughsaid sample, wherein a second measuring position is obtained assubstantially a mid point between said second irradiation part and saidsecond detection part; a first display window for displayingrepresentations of said first and second irradiation parts, said firstand second detection parts and said first and second measuring positionscorresponding to positions thereof on said sample; and a second displaywindow for displaying respective time-series graphs of measurements ofsaid in-vivo metabolic material of said sample corresponding to saidfirst and second measuring positions displayed on said first displaywindow.
 2. An optical measuring apparatus as defined in claim 1, whereinsaid first and second irradiation parts, and said first and seconddetection parts are arranged on a substantially a rectangular lattice.3. An optical measuring apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein saidfirst and second irradiation parts, and said first and second detectionparts are arranged on a substantially a square lattice.
 4. An opticalmeasuring apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said sample is a headportion of a living body.
 5. An optical measuring apparatus as definedin claim 1, comprising a means for selecting an averaging analysis modeor a non-added analysis mode.
 6. An optical measuring apparatus asdefined in claim 1, comprising a means for selecting an averaginganalysis mode or a non-added analysis mode.
 7. An optical measuringapparatus having a measuring device for optically measuring density orvariation of an in-vivo metabolic material of a sample, comprising: aplurality of irradiation parts for applying a light beam on said sampleand a plurality of detection parts for detecting said light beamobtained through said sample being arranged in a lattice shape on saidsample, said plurality of irradiation parts and said plurality ofdetection parts being constructed with a pair of a first irradiationpart for applying a light beam on said sample and a first detection partprovided corresponding to said first irradiation part, and a pair of asecond irradiation part for applying a light beam and a second detectionpart provided corresponding to said second irradiation part, wherein afirst measuring position is obtained as substantially a mid pointbetween said first irradiation part and said first detection part, and asecond measuring position is obtained as substantially a mid pointbetween said second irradiation part and said second detection part; afirst display window for displaying representations of said first andsecond irradiation parts, said first and second detection parts and saidfirst and second measuring positions corresponding to positions thereofon said sample; and a second display window for displaying respectivetime-series graphs of measurement of said in-vivo metabolic material ofsaid sample corresponding to said first and second measuring positionsdisplayed on said first display window.
 8. An optical measuringapparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein said sample is a head portionof a living body.
 9. An optical measuring apparatus having a measuringdevice for optically measuring density or variation of an in-vivometabolic material of a sample, comprising: a pair of a firstirradiation part for applying a light beam on said sample and a firstdetection part provided corresponding to said first irradiation part soas to detect said light beam through said sample, wherein a firstmeasuring position is obtained as substantially a mid point between saidfirst irradiation part and said first detection part; a pair of a secondirradiation part for applying a light beam and a second detection partprovided corresponding to said second irradiation part so as to detectsaid light beam through said sample, wherein a second measuring positionis obtained as substantially a mid point between said second irradiationpart and said second detection part; a display window for displayingpositions of said first and second irradiation parts, said first andsecond detection parts and said first and second measuring positionscorresponding to positions thereof on said sample, or an opticaltopography image corresponding to said first and second measuringpositions; and a switching means for selecting to display both of, orarbitrarily any one of, said positions and said optical topography imagecorresponding to said first and second measuring positions.
 10. Anoptical measuring apparatus having a measuring device for opticallymeasuring density or variation of an in-vivo metabolic material of asample, and a display means for displaying an optical image based onsaid density or variation thereof, comprising a plurality of irradiationparts for applying a light beam on said sample and a plurality ofdetection parts for detecting said light beam through said sample beingarranged in a lattice shape, wherein measuring positions obtained assubstantially mid points between respective said irradiation parts andrespective said detection parts are arranged in a lattice shape, andrespective time-series graphs of measurement of said in-vivo metabolicmaterial of said sample are displayed on said display means at displaypositions corresponding to said measuring positions.